Shem
Meaningname, renown · Hebrew
- US rank
- #7,679
- Syllables
- 1
- Peak
- #2,054 in 1976
10 babies were named Shem in the US in 2025. It has dropped 1,059 places in five years.
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US births per million boys, 1954–2025
Similar names
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
Did you know?
A few things about Shem you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 169,492 baby boys born in the US in 2025 was named Shem, 10 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Shem would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryShem first shows up in US birth records in 1954, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 71 years since.
- Best yearIt was far more popular in 1976, when it ranked #2,054. Today it's #7,679, so it could be due a comeback.
- TrendShem has slipped 1,059 places over the last five years and now sits at #7,679. Good news if you want a familiar name that fewer kids will share.
- MeaningIn Hebrew, Shem means “name, renown”. Our records link it to English and Hebrew roots.
About the name Shem
Shem is a boy name of English and Hebrew origin meaning “name, renown”. It has 4 letters and 1 syllable, starting with S and ending in “-hem”. US birth records list Shem for boys from 1954 to 2025, in 62 of those 72 years. Its best year was 1976, when it ranked #2,054 among boy names. In 2025 it ranked #7,679, with 10 babies.
Origin:English namesHebrew names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 0.4 | 2,400,000 boys |
| 1960s | 2.0 | 510,204 boys |
| 1970s | 9.6 | 104,493 boys |
| 1980s | 6.7 | 149,477 boys |
| 1990s | 5.6 | 177,936 boys |
| 2000s | 5.6 | 176,991 boys |
| 2010s | 6.9 | 144,092 boys |
| 2020s | 7.4 | 134,831 boys |
More English boy names
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Henry · ruler of the home
- Unisex name: James · supplanter
- Boy name: William · resolute protector
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Boy name: Jack · God is gracious
- Unisex name: Hudson · son of Hudde
- Unisex name: Julian · of the Julius family
Questions about the name Shem
What does the name Shem mean?
Shem means “name, renown” in Hebrew.
What is the origin of the name Shem?
Shem has English, Hebrew roots in our records. Other English names include Oliver, Henry, James.
Is Shem a boy or girl name?
Shem is a boy name.
How popular is the name Shem?
Shem ranked #7,679 for US boys in 2025, given to 10 babies. Its best year was 1976 (#2,054).